NEW YORK — Roger Goodell, the NFL commissioner, made it clear on Wednesday that the league has no plans to replace Bad Bunny as the headliner for the Super Bowl halftime show. His statement comes amid criticism from figures like Donald Trump and certain supporters regarding the decision to feature the Grammy-winning Puerto Rican artist at such a pivotal event for the NFL.
During a recent news conference following the NFL’s fall meeting, Goodell addressed the controversy surrounding Bad Bunny, which initially emerged when the announcement was made in late September. This news not only raised eyebrows but also seemed to spur a notable increase in streams of Bad Bunny’s music, even as criticism mounted.
“We’ve thought this through very carefully,” Goodell mentioned. He pointed out that any artist chosen for such a massive platform tends to attract both applause and criticisms. “Given the number of viewers we have—hundreds of millions—it’s almost impossible to avoid some sort of backlash,” he added.
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is known for his outspoken stance against Trump and various policies. Recently, he opted for a 31-day engagement in Puerto Rico specifically to avoid shows in the mainland U.S., citing issues linked to mass deportations affecting Latino communities.
Fans can expect performances in Spanish, staying true to Bad Bunny’s roots.
“We are very confident it’s going to be an amazing show,” Goodell expressed. “He understands the significance of this platform, and I believe it will generate an exciting, unifying moment for everyone involved.”
The Super Bowl LX is set to take place on February 8 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. While it remains unclear whether Trump will make an appearance, he has shown keen interest in featuring at major sporting events throughout his current term in office.
During a chat on Newsmax, Trump admitted, “I’ve never heard of Bad Bunny. I have no idea why he’s the choice. It seems a bit crazy, doesn’t it? They’re placing blame on some promoter for selecting him. I find it utterly ridiculous.”
In response to the backlash, Goodell reiterated on Wednesday that Bad Bunny’s tremendous popularity was a key factor in their decision. “He’s one of the most influential and widely recognized entertainers globally,” he stated. “That’s precisely what we aim for; it’s essential for us to elevate the entertainment value at the Super Bowl.”
On the Tush Push: A Temporary Decision
In a related note, responding to prior comments from football operations executive Troy Vincent, Goodell mentioned that there hasn’t been significant dialogue around the controversial ‘tush push’ quarterback sneak. Despite a prior narrow failure to ban the move, Goodell stated it was not a focal point during the recent meeting, though there were updates on penalties and other essential gameplay topics.
“We will continue to monitor all aspects of gameplay, just as we do with everything else,” Goodell stated. “No proposals are being made to reignite the conversation about banning that sneak at this point in time. However, it wouldn’t surprise me if things shift in the future—it’s all part of our ongoing observation of the game.”
More from Goodell at the Owners Meeting
- On replay reviews affecting game length, Goodell noted that the average game time is actually down this season compared to last, despite the increase in kickoff returns due to recent changes.
- He also mentioned a recent breakfast meeting with David White, the interim NFL Players Association executive director. Any discussions on extending the regular season to 18 games will likely wait until a permanent head of the union is appointed. The current collective bargaining agreement remains valid through the NFL’s 2031 season.
- Finally, Goodell mentioned that planning for Super Bowl sites in 2028 and 2029 is ongoing, with announcements expected next year.
